About Italy

information on sicily

Sicily is a cultural minestrone, a marvellous fusion of elements contributed by the many foreign occupiers who held sway here over time. The Greeks dominated the island for five centuries (8-3C BC), followed by the Romans for six (until the 4C), the Byzantines for three (until the 8C), the Arabs for two (until the 11C), the French (Normans) for one (12/13C) and Spanish (Aragons) for five (to the 18C). Each group, especially the Normans in spite of the brevity of their stay, left their imprint on the island's architecture, its dialects and its menus.

In terms of landscapes and topography, Sicily is simply stunning. The north of the island is sharply mountainous, with high points at Erice in the west and the impossibly photogenic Mount Etna in the east. Europe's highest and most active volcano belches constantly and every once in a while shoots so much ash into the air that the airport at Catania allegedly keeps a snowplough handy to clear its runways. The smoother southern portion of the island tilts gently towards the sea, ideal for both vineyards and views. On the periphery is a thousand miles of coastline, ranging from beaches to rocky coves and cliffs.

Sicilian cuisine has always benefited from the bounty of its fertile volcanic soils and the encircling seas, inspiring rave reviews as early as the 4C BC, when Greek poet Archestratus praised it in an ode.

It was Archestratus' people who introduced Malvasia and Moscato vines to the island and who first used Mount Etna's snow to make ices with fruit and honey. The Arabs brought their eastern spices here, along with cane sugar for pastries and sweets, and couscous.Staples include swordfish and tuna, eggplant, peppers, olives and capers.

The island is famed for its citrus fruits, particularly the blood orange, arancia rossa, but peaches, apricots and figs are common and often incorporated, Arab-style, into savoury dishes. First time visitors inevitably approach Sicily with some trepidation, given its association with the mafia. Yes, it exists but as a tourist you are no more likely to experience crime here than you are in any Western city.

Maria Randazzo
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